The Hindu Festival of Diwali in 2011, 2012, and 2013

Dec 13, 2010
Mark Tibbits

Diwali lights - Nitin Badhwar

Diwali, also known as Deepawali, popularly known as The Festival of Lights, is one of the most important Hindu festivals of the year.

Diwali, The Festival of Lights, is one of the most important Hindu festivals of the year. The five-day festival is celebrated by Hindu families who perform traditional activities within the home.

Small clay oil lamps (called diyas in Sanskrit) are lit to signify the triumph of good over evil. All the celebrants wear new clothes, with sweets and snacks being shared with family members and friends.

Because Diwali is associated with wealth, most business communities in India start their financial year on the first day of Diwali.

Diwali is celebrated all around the world, with many regional variations for the rituals of the celebrations. Outside India, Diwali is more than just a Hindu festival, it is also a celebration of South-Asian identities.

Origins of Diwali

There are many legends that are connected with the origins of Diwali. These legends are tied to the Hindu religious scriptures, in particular with the Puranas. The legends have a common theme of the victory of good evil. This is interpreted as the light of higher knowledge dispelling all ignorance.

One such legend commemorates the return of Lord Rama, together with Sita and Lakshman, from his fourteen-year-long exile, and from vanquishing the demon-king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya, the capiatal city of Rama, celebrated the return of their king by illuminating the kingdom with earthen diyas and firecrackers.

Rituals of Diwali

Diwali is a 5 day festival. On the first day, Dhanteras, the "Owl" form of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is worshipped to provide prosperity and happiness. The "Dhan" part of Dhanteras means wealth.

After Dhanteras, Diwali is marked by four days of celebration. Each of the four days has a different tradition, but they are all a celebration of life, its enjoyment, and its goodness.

Each of the days of celebration has it's own story:

Day 1, Naraka Chaturdasi, is the day when Lord Krishna and his wife Satyabhama defeated the demon Naraka
Day 2, Amavasya, is the day when the goddess of Lakshmi, is worshipped in her most benevolent mood, fulfilling the wishes of her devotees. Amavasya also celebrates Lord Vishnu, banishing Balit to Patala
Day 3, Kartika Shudda Padyami, is the day when Bali took control of his new kingdom of Patala
Day 4, Yama Dvitiya (also called Bhai Dooj), is the day when sisters invite their brothers into their homes